Monday, September 17, 2012

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.

When I was working I dreamed about doing what I am now. I'd find articles and save them as things I would like to see someday, just because they are there. It is what kept me going all those years. One of the articles was Dorothy's house and the Land of Oz in Liberal, Kansas. That newspaper article is now yellowed with age but the place is still there. At the time I was desperate for anything to dream about. Now that I am free, well the Land of Oz wasn't really that thrilling of a destination but I did at least want to see her "house" or what they thought it would be like.

I had a feeling this may be a bit hokey but when I rounded the corner and saw this...well...this was the furthest from my mind.

When I pulled up to Dorothy's house it was Sunday, closed and wouldn't open till 1. I was facing a five hour wait. But I had the place all to myself with no little munchkins running about.

That was good.

Here is Dorothy's home complete with a ramp for Auntie Em who is getting up in years I guess. Why Toto's house has two doors, I don't know. There wasn't anyone to ask.

Off to the side there was the storm cellar that everyone got into except for Dorothy who got home too late. I thought that was a nice touch...then I noticed what the doors were made of...particle board plywood! Good grief! This money making attraction that has been here longer than it takes newspaper to yellow and they can do no better than warped plywood painted red to look old and rusty?

It only got worse.

Here are Dorothy's pals that accompanied her to go see the Wizard. I didn't get a picture of the Cowardly Lion. He was off to the side, another cardboard cut-out.

Yes, there was a Yellow Brick Road, and with a substantial donation, you too can have your name on the Yellow Brick Road. Notice the Dorothy cut-out. It looks more like Little Lulu to me.

If it sounds like I didn't like it...well, I like that fact that I am able to go see these things even if they are not how I imagined they would be. I had too many years living in my imagination.

I did really like the bronze statue of Dorothy and Toto.

And she doesn't look like Judy Garland either.

And that big tin building in the first photo, I am sure that is the Land of Oz. I am okay with not seeing it. I know I would be driving away off down the road to Oklahoma with "We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz" or "Follow the yellow brick road" rambling through my head.

I didn't need that.

Yes Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore. We're in Oklahoma and will be moving on the New Mexico.

10 comments:

What!! You mean all those damn years I wast..lived in Kansas and I NEVER knew Dorothys house was just a hop, skip and jump down the road, I feel cheated! Sorry it wasn't what you expected, maybe you should have went to Independence and saw the "Little House on the Prairie" house/museum instead. http://www.littlehouseontheprairiemuseum.com/Little_House_on_the_Prairie_Museum/Little_House_on_the_Prairie_Museum.html

Besides enjoying the commentary you provide, and the photos, I appreciate the time you are saving me from going to all those places! Really interesting what people will set up as tourist attractions, isn't it? Be safe out there...can't wait to see what you find next!

There are a few museums in different states dedicated to Laura Ingalls Wilder that I have always wanted to see. Sometimes I wonder if they'd be the same as the Wizard of Oz one you saw. I'm curious - what did you do when you worked?

All that way and you didn't go inside! Maybe there was a completely different world through those doors although judging by the outside I don't think I would have waited 5 hours to find out. I did like the bronze statue though.Are you now looking for the 'Surrey with the fringe on the top' in Oklahoma?

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